AP Environmental Science Lecture Notes

Introduction to AP Environmental Science

• Study of interactions between Earth's systems and human systems.
• Current global population exceeds 7 billion, creating pressure on Earth.

Course Structure

• Focus on:
  • Earth systems
  • Living systems
  • Human populations
• Topics covered include:
  • Land and water use
  • Energy
  • Pollution and climate change

Importance of Sustainability

• Understanding sustainability is key to living within Earth's boundaries.
• Example: Easter Island - deforestation led to dramatic population decline.

Key Figures in Environmental Science

• Rachel Carson:
  • Author of "Silent Spring"
  • Studied DDT and its negative environmental impacts.

Distinction Between Environmental Science and Environmentalism

• Environmental science seeks truth through scientific methods.
• Environmentalism is a belief system advocating for environmental protection.

Why This Course Matters

• Importance of societal survival rather than just saving the planet.
  • Planet will survive; human numbers may not if we exceed planetary boundaries.
• Planetary boundaries (Johann Rockstrom):
  • Climate change
  • Ocean acidification
  • Ozone depletion
  • Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles
  • Freshwater use
  • Deforestation
  • Biodiversity loss
  • Pollution

Economic Drivers of Sustainability

• Need for economic incentives to encourage sustainable practices.
• The concept of ecological footprint:
  • Developed countries consume more resources than developing ones.

Interdisciplinary Approach

• Course includes natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
• Discusses ethics, law, and politics alongside scientific content.

Course Practices

• Importance of applying scientific principles:
  • Asking questions
  • Conducting investigations
  • Case studies (e.g., Deep Water Horizon oil spill)

AP Exam Overview

Test Structure

1. Multiple Choice
   • 100 questions, 90 minutes.
   • Mix of discrete questions and sets (e.g., maps).
2. Free Response
   • One question based on a data set.
   • Document-based question related to a fictional city (Fremont).
3. Data Analysis Skills
   • Analyze data for multiple choice and free response.
   • Emphasis on calculations without calculators.
   • Must understand dimensional analysis and scientific notation.

Concept Map

• Environmental Science: interactions between natural and human systems.
• Focus on:
  • Land and water use
  • Energy
  • Pollution and global change
• Importance of practices in the course.